ROOTED IN LOCAL INVESTMENT: PRIORITIZING HOMEGROWN GROWTH Sheraton Mall’s success and the latest development project tied to it aren’t just stories of business acumen—they are also about how deeply rooted the facility is in the local community. For Oran, this community focus has been a guiding principle, shaping decisions far beyond the balance sheet. “There’s always a balance,” he says thoughtfully.“On one hand, you could go to a foreign entity and cut costs significantly. Conversely, you can rely on your local network, which will cost a bit more.”The choice is clear for him and the rest of the leadership team. “Our strategy has always been to use what’s available locally, as long as we can rely on it.” It’s a practice that speaks to a larger belief in the power of local investment. While some materials and expertise may inevitably need to be imported—mainly when the quality or availability within Barbados is limited—the preference is always to invest in the island’s people and businesses whenever possible. At the heart of Scott and Sharon Oran’s vision is a deep understanding of how interconnected the island’s economic well-being is with its social stability. By sourcing locally, providing opportunities for local businesses, and investing in the people who make up the island’s fabric, Sheraton Mall and its associated developments have become more than just commercial ventures—they are cornerstones of a sustainable future for Barbados, building resilience through thoughtful, community-centered growth. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Unicomer Barbados Limited (UBL) www.grupounicomer.com n Cooper Kauffman Consultancy Ltd. www.cooperkauffman.com Cooper Kauffman is a Quantity Surveying company based in Barbados but operates across the Caribbean. One of the largest and most experienced QS companies, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized service on our projects. Our senior Directors are Chartered Members of the RICS and we focus on developing and maintaining skilled technical staff. Our projects spread across various sectors such as luxury residential, hospitality, health, education, retail and industrial sectors. Some of the Sheraton Mall skylight installations over the years 34 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11
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